Welcome, Summoners, to a journey through the rarest and most coveted skins in the world of League of Legends. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Rift, you’ve likely marveled at some of the unique and eye-catching skins that players sport during matches. But did you know that some of these skins are so rare that they’ve become the stuff of legend?
In this guide, we’ll talk about the 13 rarest skins in League of Legends, exploring their history, their significance, and the reasons why they’re so hard to come by. From event exclusives to beta rewards, these items are the epitome of rarity, and owning one is a badge of honor in the LoL community.
1. King Rammus
King Rammus holds the title for the rarest skin in League of Legends. It was released before League even became a public game. It was a reward for players who participated in the closed beta of League of Legends, making it ultra-rare.
The Design
While the design itself may not be anything extraordinary, the significance of King Rammus lies in its history. It’s one of the first skins ever made for the game and is a welcome addition to any player’s collection.
The Rarity
Because it was only available to closed beta participants, the number of players who own this skin is extremely limited. If you see someone with this skin, know that you’re in the presence of a League of Legends OG.
2. Vancouver Amumu
Released in 2010 to celebrate the Winter Olympics, Vancouver Amumu is another skin that you’ll rarely see in-game. It was discontinued after the Olympics ended, making it a one-time event exclusive.
The Design
On the surface, Vancouver Amumu may seem like a simple recoloring of his default skin. However, the red and yellow feet and the blue torso make up the colors of the Olympic Rings, making it an excellent patriotic skin.
The Rarity
It’s estimated that only about 25,000 accounts have this skin. While it can’t be purchased anymore, it can still be randomly obtained through mystery gifts.
3. Black Alistar
Black Alistar is unique in that it was only given to players who ordered and paid for the digital version of League’s Collector’s Edition when the game launched in 2009.
The Design
The skin doesn’t differ much from Alistar’s default appearance, but its rarity makes it a prized possession.
The Rarity
Considering the game was free-to-play, few players opted to buy the Collector’s Edition. As a result, only around 60,000 players own this skin, a minuscule percentage of the game’s massive player base.
4. Silver Kayle
Silver Kayle was released alongside the original retail copy of League of Legends in 2009. Since stores no longer stock physical versions of the game, finding a copy with the original codes is impossible.
The Design
The skin features Kayle in shimmering silver armor, wielding a sword that matches her attire. It’s a classic look that has stood the test of time.
The Rarity
Riot Games disabled League of Legends codes in 2014, making this Kayle skin one of the rarest in the game. If you own this skin, you’re part of an exclusive club.
5. Pax Twisted Fate
The PAX Twisted Fate was given to the first 20,000 people who attended the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in 2009. This makes it one of the three PAX skins in League of Legends.
The Design
The skin features Twisted Fate in a new, darker ensemble, complete with a PAX logo on his cape. It’s a unique look that sets it apart from his other skins.
The Rarity
After the event, unused PAX Twisted Fate codes were disabled. Accounts with this skin have been known to sell for around $450-$500, making it a potential gold mine for the lucky few who own it.
6. Pax Jax
In 2010, a PAX Jax code was given out to players who attended the Penny Arcade Expo. This makes it another member of the rare PAX family.
The Design
Pax Jax features the champion in a new outfit, complete with a cardboard tube as his weapon. It’s a fun and quirky design that adds a touch of humor to the game.
The Rarity
This is among some of the rarest LoL skins, with prices for accounts with the PAX Jax selling for $200 and more!
7. Championship Riven
The Championship Riven was released as a legacy entry in 2012 to celebrate the LoL World 2012. It’s one of the rarest skins in League and accounts with it can sell for around $300!
The Design
This glorious skin sees Riven decked out in spiny armor, with her broken blade looking restored to its former glory. It also received a new, revamped version in 2016 to celebrate the 2016 World Championship in North America.
The Rarity
The original 2012 version was initially given out to the 8,000 people who attended the 2012 LoL World Championships. Following the Championship finals, it was available for purchase to everyone else for a short time.
8. Riot Skins
Riot Skins are based around Riot’s “representative police force” theme. These skins are obtained by either meeting a Riot staff member or attending an official event hosted by Riot.
The Design
Decked out in body armor and riot gear, these skins include Riot Squad Singed (2010), Riot K-9 Nasus (2011), Riot Graves (2012), Riot Blitzcrank (2013), and Riot Kayle (2014).
The Rarity
Riot Squad Singed is unique, as it was obtained by players who attended the Gamescom convention in 2010. Riot Singed skin codes are extremely hard to come by and were discontinued shortly after Gamescom ended.
9. Victorious Jarvan IV
The Victorious line is a series staple in League of Legends, with a new one being released yearly as the ranked reward for reaching Gold or higher. Victorious Jarvan IV is the first skin created in this line back in 2011.
The Design
While the skin may look quite dated now, it’s still a symbol of achievement and skill in the game.
The Rarity
Some people still need to pay hundreds of dollars for the bragging rights of saying they have an account with this skin.
10. Young Ryze
Young Ryze is another skin that’s been around since the early days of League. It was given to players who pre-ordered the game, making it one of the original exclusive skins.
The Design
The one features Ryze in his younger days, complete with a full head of hair and a less weathered look. It’s a glimpse into the champion’s past and a unique addition to any skin collection.
The Rarity
Given its limited availability, Young Ryze is a rare sight in the game. If you own this skin, you’re part of an exclusive group of players who’ve been with League since the beginning.
11. UFO Corki
UFO Corki is a special skin that was never available for official purchase. Instead, it was given out as a special promotion to celebrate the first year of League of Legends. It was automatically given to any LoL account registered before January 14, 2010.
The Design
The one features Corki piloting a UFO instead of his usual aircraft, making it a fun and whimsical addition to the game.
The Rarity
Many League of Legends players consider UFO Corki to be the very first legendary skin. It’s a rare sight in the game, and if you own it, you’re part of a select group that’s been with League since its early days.
12. PAX Sivir
The 2011 Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) was the last time that Riot gave out an exclusive League of Legends skin. PAX Sivir was only available to that year’s attendees.
The Design
The design of the PAX Sivir was inspired by the Tron film, featuring Sivir in an outfit similar to those worn by the movie’s characters.
The Rarity
PAX Sivir was not quite as valuable as PAX Twisted Fate and PAX Jax, but it’s still a rare and sought-after skin. Some attendees who didn’t play LoL sold their skin codes, making it a hot commodity in the secondary market.
13. Championship Riven (2012 Version)
There are two versions of the Championship Riven, but only the original 2012 version is considered truly rare. It was initially given out to the 8,000 people who attended the 2012 LoL World Championships.
The Design
The design of the Championship Riven itself was inspired by neon blue lava from an Indonesian volcano called Ijen. It features Riven in a striking blue armor set, complete with a crown and updated sword for the original owners.
The Rarity
The original skin owners also received a special loading screen banner, making it a unique and rare collectible in the League community.
FAQs
How do I obtain a rare skin if it’s no longer available in the shop?
Most rare skins that are no longer available in the shop can’t be directly purchased. However, some may be obtained through special events, promotions, or as a reward from Hextech Crafting and loot boxes. Occasionally, Riot Games may bring back certain rare ones for a limited time, but this is very uncommon.
Are there any rare skins that give players a competitive advantage?
No, they are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantages. They are designed to offer a unique visual and thematic experience without affecting the balance of the game.
Can I sell or trade my account if it has a rare skin?
While it’s technically possible to sell or trade accounts, doing so is against Riot Games’ Terms of Service. Engaging in such activities can result in the permanent suspension of the account.
Do rare skins ever get visual updates or reworks?
Yes, Riot Games occasionally updates older skins to improve their visual quality. However, this is generally done without altering the elements that make it rare or unique. For example, Championship Riven received a visual update but maintained its original design elements to preserve its rarity.
Are there any rare skins that were only released in specific regions?
Yes, some were region-specific promotional items. For example, the “Rusty Blitzcrank” was only available on the Chinese server for a limited time. These region-specific skins add an extra layer of rarity, as they are not only time-limited but also geographically restricted.
How does Riot Games decide which skins become rare or legacy skins?
Riot Games doesn’t necessarily set out to create a “rare” skin. The rarity often comes from the circumstances of the release, such as being tied to a special event, a milestone, or an early version of the game. Legacy ones are usually retired to make way for new content, adding to their rarity over time.
Final Words
Owning one of these rare skins is like holding a piece of League of Legends history. Whether it’s the nostalgia-inducing King Rammus or the event-exclusive Vancouver Amumu, these skins are more than just cosmetic upgrades; they’re badges of honor, symbols of dedication, and tokens of in-game prestige.
So, the next time you spot one of these rare skins in a match, take a moment to appreciate the history and rarity behind it. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be lucky enough to add one of these gems to your own collection.